One-price-fits-all policy on deliveries

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Articl ... 2?UserKey=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

IT IS A BRAVE step to offer a “copper-bottomed guarantee” of anything in politics these days, given the parlous state of the public finances. It is even bolder to apply it to the universal postal system.

The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Tavish Scott, told his party conference yesterday that he had secured concessions from Business Secretary Vince Cable, who had signalled his support for at least part-privatisation of the service.

Top of the list was delivery of mail anywhere in the UK for the same price, including Mr Scott’s Shetland constituency.

The harsh reality for Mr Cable, however, is that he will find it hard to attract the private investment he believes the system needs when the companies concerned are being asked to operate with one hand effectively tied behind their backs.

The Royal Mail clearly needs a major injection of cash, but the pressures of the private sector are incompatible with trading restrictions like a one-price-fits-all policy.

The simple truth about the universal post delivery is that it is a vital public service for rural Scotland and best underwritten by government.

[Straight4ward]

Top of the list was delivery of mail anywhere in the UK for the same price, including Mr Scott’s Shetland constituency.

The harsh reality for Mr Cable, however, is that he will find it hard to attract the private investment he believes the system needs when the companies concerned are being asked to operate with one hand effectively tied behind their backs.

And yet this the situation that we have had to deal with. Despite one price for anywhere in the UK, despite the outrageous DSA agreements that have been foisted upon us by the Regulator, we have still managed to fulfill a public service and turn a small profit.

Why meddle Vince? Yes, we need investment but even in these straightened times this should come from the treasury and not through selling us off.